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The Daily Bucket - Hurricane Landing, Sardis Lake, Mississippi [1]

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Date: 2023-03-29

Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta) stretches to catch some rays.

The quickest way to alleviate Monday doldrums is take the day off. Pile up the kids, dogs and toys (remember towels and snacks) and escape the day. I packed my snacks (screw that other stuff) and made a dash for the water’s edge. I would have invited others, if I had some kids or dogs.

It was still dark when I arrived (before 7 am). I drove out to the boat launch and saw several trucks with boats on trailers. Bundled up men stood huddled, looking out over the choppy water and gripping about the wind and debris blocking the main channel. My thoughts wandered to my Morning Open Thread buddy Bearsguy (a die-hard fisherman).

An eternity passed before all the men loaded up and headed home. That left the whole place to me and one guy that was casting from the bank. He had the right idea as I soon found out.

It’s spawning season for several species including small mouth Bass, Crappie and Bream. The lake level is low and that fellow knew where to cast to catch the big breeders. Seems those species like to spawn in shallow water. He filled his cooler quickly.

I was intrigued and he didn’t mind talking. He told me the fish will stir the water up around vegetation and lay eggs. “The males will shoot semen everywhere. Be sure you wash your hands”, he chuckled with that comment.

I took a lot of film of this loud and furious behavior (honoring his request not to be filmed).

I left the fisherman because I was there for the Osprey. I moved on to my “sitting spot” and was soon delighted at the sights before me. A mated pair occupied the oldest nest site near the boat launch. They were busy rebuilding. Taking breaks to catch a meal was the only other activity on their agenda.

Mid hover before dive. The head and body are fixed as the wings flutter.

I figured this was a young couple because they both participated in bringing sticks and arranging them. They were so cute and agreeable (like young lovers are).

My supplies were running low so I slowly headed for home. I spotted a few things along the way that were also signs of Spring.

female Eastern Bluebird picked up some nest material of her own.

This Grackle was watching the Purple Martins intently. The Martins were too busy to be photographed.

A male Belted Kingfisher peeked from Cypress limbs to survey the area.

The most encouraging thing I saw was my Bug of the Day. This little soldier was just one of hundreds flitting from micro flower to the next. It is so good to see Honey bees again.

The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns. We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream, visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on Follow.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/story/2023/3/29/2160546/-The-Daily-Bucket-Hurricane-Landing-Sardis-Lake-Mississippi

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